In an exciting development for racing enthusiasts, the Iowa Speedway will finally be hosting a NASCAR Cup Series race on June 16, 2024. The announcement came after years of anticipation, with the partnership between the Iowa Corn Growers Association and NASCAR being years in the making.

The CEO of the Iowa Corn Growers Association, Craig Floss, was pleasantly surprised when he received a call from Jimmy Small, a NASCAR managing director. Small proposed the idea of hosting a Cup race at the Iowa Speedway and extended an invitation for Floss's company to sponsor the event. Floss, who had dreamt of this opportunity for quite some time, couldn't believe that it was finally happening.

The 7/8-of-a-mile Iowa Speedway, located 38 miles east of downtown Des Moines, has been a favorite among NASCAR enthusiasts since its opening in 2006. Known for its multiple grooves and aged surface, the track has proven to be conducive to exciting racing. Despite not being located in a major market, the track has drawn sizable crowds, with several Xfinity Series races in its early years attracting over 50,000 spectators.

Many within NASCAR have long believed that the Iowa Speedway deserved a Cup race, given its successful history and fan support. However, various factors hindered this progress. Unstable leadership and financial concerns marked the track's early years, while the absence of flashy amenities also played a role in delaying its recognition. Additionally, the track's ownership by a different company than those operating most races on the Cup schedule prevented its inclusion.

However, significant changes in recent years have opened doors for the Iowa Speedway. In 2013, NASCAR purchased the track, ensuring stability and eliminating concerns about ownership. NASCAR has also been actively working on reshaping its schedule to include a greater variety of tracks and reach untapped markets. This effort has led to the addition of races in cities like Los Angeles, Chicago, St. Louis, Nashville, and Austin, as well as plans for international expansion.

The resurgence of the Iowa Speedway began when IndyCar hosted races at the facility in 2022 and 2023, attracting a passionate fan base and demonstrating the track's potential. When negotiations for a race in Montreal fell through, NASCAR officials visited the Iowa Speedway. Impressed by what they saw, they promptly secured a spot on the 2024 calendar for the inaugural Cup Series race.

The news of Iowa Speedway hosting a Cup race has been met with overwhelming excitement from fans. Tickets for both the Cup and Xfinity races sold out during presale, indicating a high level of demand. NASCAR driver Brad Keselowski expressed his delight, acknowledging the track's longstanding contribution to auto racing.

While the 2025 schedule is yet to be finalized, there is growing speculation that the Iowa Speedway will continue to host Cup races in the future. The track's enduring popularity and the community's support make a compelling case for NASCAR's return.

As the countdown begins for the historic NASCAR Cup Series race at the Iowa Speedway in 2024, fans, drivers, and organizers are eagerly awaiting the electrifying atmosphere that is expected to accompany the event.